Sewing machines



Aug. 21, 1956 Filed Oct. 1, 1952 FIGJ 7 SheetsSheet l .97 23 d: .4748 1 5 1;- I; Hi Q x Q 4 i //6 \\@i,;:' 'i 45 A 95 59 5a .7 B2 3 95a 93 A IN V EN TORS. ALBERT M. SCHWEDA BY ROBERT FROELICH JR.

ATTORNEY 21, 9 A. M. SCHWEDA ETAL 2,759,442

SEWING MACHINES Filed 0012. l, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 ALBERT M. SCHWEDA ROBERT FROELICH JR.

ATTORNEY Aug. 21, 195 A. M. SCHWEDA ETAL SEWING MACHINES 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 1, 1952 R D 1 EH L ECE W W I M F TT RR EE BB LO AR ATTORNEY Aug. 21, 1956 A. M. S'CHWEDA ET AL SEWING MACHINES 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 1, 1952 5 w R I r? R QQ INVENTORS. ALBERT M. SCHWEDA ROBERT FROELICH, JR.

ATTORNEY Aug. 21, 1956 A. M. SCHWEDA ETAL SEWING MACHINES 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 1, 1952 IN VEN TORS. ALBERT M. SCHWEDA ROBERT FROELICH JR.

ATTORNEY Aug. 21, 1956 A. M. SCHWEDA ET AL 2,759,442

SEWING MACHINES 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Oct. 1, 1952 QNx iii;

IN VEN TORS. ALBERT M. SCHWEDA ROBERT FROELICH,JR.

ATTORNEY A g- 1956 A. M. SICHWEDA ET AL SEWING MACHINES 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed 001.. l, 1952 FIG.8

5 4 8 O 6 5 I I W m mH L F VCE 6 N50 1 mm F TT RR 5. 8L A R ATTORNEY United States Patent Ofiice 2,759,442 Patented Aug. 21, 1956 SEWING MACHINES Albert M. Schweda and Robert Eroelic-h, In, Chicago, Ill., assignors to Union Special vll/Iachine Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application October 1, 1952, Serial No. 312,454

18 Claims. (Cl. 112-16) This invention relates to an improved sewing machine construction and more particularly to an improved machine intended for high speed production in industrial use. It is especially adapted for use in machines of the cup feed type in which the work is retained and -advanced by a pair of rotary cups arranged for rotation about parallel axes. Some of the features of the invention may, however, be used advantageously in machines of other types.

In machines of the cup feed type the feed cups are ordinarily carried by vertically disposed shafts and are advanced intermittently through increments corresponding with the desired stitch length. Suitable s-tfiteh forming devices, including a reciprocable needle and one or more loopers, cooperate with the work to form a line of stitching at the upper side of the feed cups. Ordinarily the stitch forming devices are arranged to provide an overedge stitch of either a two thread or three thread type. Machines of this character are ordinarily operated at relatively high speeds, i. e. at between 4000 and 5000 R. P. M. to form a corresponding number of stitches. It has been found in the operation of such machines that at these high speeds it is diflicult to maintain a uniform stitch length and to insure the formation of uniform stitches. This is due to the tendency of certain parts of the work feeding mechanism to slip or overthrow in the course of operation at high speeds.

An object of the present invention has been to provide a sewing machine of the character indicated which is capable of operation at high speeds, even above the limits mentioned, and which will produce uniform stitches of uniform length.

Another object of the invention has been to provide a machine of the character indicated which is of simpler and less expensive construction than cup feed machines heretofore known.

A further object has been to provide a cup feed machine, or other machine adapted to form an overedge stitch, with a novel work advancing means which will eliminate overthrow and slippage and will provide 'a -uniform line of stitching at high speeds.

A still "further object of the invention has been to provide a needle feed mechanism of improved character which is of simple construction, reliable in-its action and adapted for effective lubrication to enable high speed operation.

An important feature of the invention is the provision in an over-edge sewing machine, and more particularly a cup feed machine, of mechanism by which advance of the work is assisted by movement of the needle. In adaptation to acup feed machine, the-reciprocable needle bar or needle carrier is oscillated in a plane above the feed cups to carry the needle along the :line of feed :and thereby assist in advancing the work in the .course of stitch formation.

Another important feature of the invention has been the provision :for continuous ;feeding of the work by t feed cups, their :action being assisted by the needle whenever the latter is engaged with the work. For this pun pose the feed cups are continuously driven at a suitable rate to bring about the desired stitch length and while the needle is engaged with the work, it is advanced in the direction of feed at the rate of advance of the work.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of novel means for supporting and operating a reciprocable needle to which is imparted a needle feed movement. The arrangement is such that a bar or rod, which carries the needle, is reciprocated longitudinally and oscillated laterally with a portion thereof extending through a wall of a lubricant retaining chamber. An effective seal is provided by the novel mechanism around the bar where it passes through the wall 0f the housing.

By virtue :of the combination of features embodied in the invention, it is possible to form .a seam of given length more quickly than has heretofore been possible with overedge sewing machines and particularly of the cup feed type. Moreover, more uniform stitches are produced at high speeds of operation than have heretofore been possible the operation .of such machines. This :is in part due to the assistance of the needle in the feeding action and in part due to the elimination of overthrow and slippage which frequently .occur in connection with intermittently operated feed-cups.

A further advantage of the preferred embodiment .of the invention is the elimination of the relatively expensive one'way clutch mechanism normally employed in an intermittent :drive rfor the feed cups.

.Other objects, features, and advantages :of the invention will appear from :the detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the invention which will :now be given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a view, partly in elevation and partly longitudinal section, of a cup feed machine embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the machine, taken from the left in Fig. 1., with portions of the frame broken away and certain parts shown in section for clarity of illustration;

Fig. 3 is a .top plan view of the machine with a cover member removed and portions .of the frame broken away;

Fig. 4 is a detail view showing in plan the feed cups and related parts, certain parts being shown in section;

Figs. 5, 6, and 7 are enlarged views corresponding with Figs. 1., 2, and 3, respectively, but with various parts shown in the earlier views .omitted or broken away for clarity of illustration .of other parts;

Fig. 8 is a :detail view, partly in plan and partly in horizontal section, with certain parts broken away, showing the needle bar supporting and operating mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a detail View showing certain of the elements of Fig. 8, partly in elevation and partly in section;

Fig. 10 .is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the needle bar :and certain of its bearing means;

'Fig. 1.1 .is a face view .of a unit providing a sl idable bearing .for the needle :bar; 'and Fig. 12 is a detail view, in end elevation, .of a portion of :the needle bar supporting :and operating means.

Turning now to the drawings, the machine illustrated comprises a frame having a'vertical standard 10, :adapted to rest upon and be supported by a work table, and an overhanging bracket or arm '11. The tiDtCF-lQI of the frame is hollow substantially throughout, except for .the lower portion of standard 10, and provides an :enclosed chamber .12, the bottom of whichforms a reservoir for lubricant113. At its top the frame is closed by ,a removable cover .14, .secured by suitable screws (not shown), which permits access .to the mechanism withinnthe ma- ;chine for purposes .of .repair and adjustment. Amain rotary shaft extends from front to rear of the machine and is journaled in suitable bushings 16 and 17 carried by the front and rear walls of the frame. At each end the shaft extends beyond the frame and carries a combined handwheel and pulley 13, these being secured to the shaft by screws 19.

Within the hollow frame the shaft 15 carries a worm 20 which meshes with a worm wheel 21 secured to the lower end of a vertically disposed shaft 22. This shaft is journaled in bearing sleeves 23 and 24 carried by inwardly extending lugs formed on the frame. Collars 25 secured to the shaft 22, above and below the bearing sleeve 24, serve to take the axial thrusts of the shaft and retain it against axial movement. At its upper end the shaft 22 carries a worm 26 which meshes with a worm wheel 27 secured to one end of a horizontally disposed shaft 28. The latter is carried by suitable bushings in arms 29 and 30 (Figs. 1 and 3) of a bracket 31 secured to a boss 32 formed on the inner surface of a wall of the frame. Adjacent the other end of shaft 23 there is secured thereto a bevel gear 33 which meshes with a bevel gear 34 secured to the upper end of a vertically disposed shaft 35. This shaft is journaled in a bearing sleeve 36 which extends through the under wall of the overhanging arm 11 of the frame. At its lower end the shaft has secured thereto a feed cup 37 preferably provided with a knurled or serrated periphery for gripping the work. Between the bevel gear 34 and the bearing sleeve 36 there is secured to the shaft 35 a hub member 38 carrying a spur gear 39. The latter meshes with a gear 40 carried by a hub member 41 secured to a vertically disposed shaft 42. The latter is journaled in a bushing 43 having a pressed fit within an opening in the under wall of the overhanging arm 11. Below the bushing 43 the shaft 42 is provided with one element of a universal coupling 44, another element of which is carried by the upper end of a shaft 45 journaled in a bearing sleeve 46. This sleeve is carried by a rock member 47 mounted on a pivot 48 extending transversely of the overhanging arm 11. To the lower end of shaft 45 there is secured a feed cup 49 arranged to cooperate with the feed cup 37 in advancing the work through the stitch forming zone. Cup 49 is preferably provided with a knurled or serrated periphery to assist in feeding the work, although it and feed cup 37 may be provided with any other suitable form of work gripping surfaces. The relationship between shafts 42 and 45 is such that they are normally in axial alignment and rotate in unison. However, slight angling of the shaft 45 is permitted by its mounting in the rock member 47 and by the universal coupling 44-. It will be understood that suitable spring means are provided for urging the rock member 47 in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 1) so that the feed cup 49 is yieldingly urged against the feed cup 37 or the work passing between the two feed cups. Also, means are provided for swinging the rock member slightly in a clockwise direction, under manual or foot control of the operator, to carry feed cup 49 away from the feed cup 37 whenever work is to be introduced between or removed from the feed cups. The devices for these purposes are not shown in detail in the present drawings, but may suitably be of the type illustrated in the patent to Hacklander No. 2,043,749, granted June 9, 1936.

A crank 50 (Figs. 3 and 5) provided on shaft 15, at substantially its mid point, has a spherical surface which carries a strap at one end of a pitrnan or connecting rod 51 the opposite end of which has a strap surrounding a pin 52 carried by a yoke 53. Pin 52 and the strap surrounding the same preferably have spherical or axially rounded surfaces. Yoke 53 is secured by a screw 54 to a reciprocable needle bar 55 mounted for reciprocation in bushings 56 and 57 carried, respectively, by upstanding arms 58 and 59 of a bracket member 60. bracket is provided with an integral downwardly extending pin 61 cooperating with a hole 62 in a shelf This 63 extending inwardly from a wall of the machine frame. Bracket 60 is adapted to pivot about the axis of the pin 61.

For the purpose of swinging the bracket 6% about the axis of pin 61 to impart needle feed movements to the needle bar, an eccentric 64 (Fig. 8) carried by the shaft 15 is surrounded by a strap 65 at one end of a pitman 66. At its opposite end the pitman carries a strap 67 which surrounds a ball pin 68 held by a clamping screw 68a in a socket formed in the outer end of an arm 69 of a bell crank member pivoted about a screw stud 70 mounted on a laterally extending portion of the shelf 63. The other arm 71 of the bell crank member has an elongated slot 72 adapted to receive a bolt 73 which serves adjustably to connect one end of a link 74- with the arm 71. At its opposite end the link 74 is pivotally connected by a bolt or screw stud 75 with an ear extending from the bracket 60. It will be apparent that as the eccentric 64 is rotated with the shaft 15 the bell crank member 69, 71 will be rocked and will cause the bracket 60 to rock about the pin 61. The extent of this rocking movement of the bracket 60 and the needle bar carried thereby may be varied to conform with the stitch length of the machine by adjustment of bolt 73 in slot 72. To vary the length of stitch, which is determined by the rate of rotation of the feed cups, appropriate changes may be made in the gearing which connects the shaft 15 with the shafts 35 and 42. Thus, worm 26 and worm wheel 27 may suitably be replaced by similar elements of different pitch.

To guide the needle bar 55 in its longitudinal movements imparted by the crank 50 and prevent turning of the bar in its bearings as well as to offset the bending forces applied to the needle bar in the course of its needle feed movements, the yoke member 53 is provided with a downwardly extending, inverted T-element 76 (Figs. 9 and 12). The head of this T-element is arranged to slide in a guide-way formed by two inverted L-members 77 secured to the bracket 60 by means of screws 78.

Needle bar 55 extends outwardly through the Wall of the machine frame and carries at its outer end a needle 79 (Fig. 4). To assist in supporting and guiding the needle bar 55 in the region where it passes through the wall of the frame, it is provided with a sleeve having a ball portion 80, a collar portion 8 1, and an extension 82 which is interposed between the shaft 55 and the bushing '57. As the bracket 60 and the needle bar 50 are rocked to imp-art the needle feed movement to the needle in the manner explained, the sleeve portion 82 slides to a limited extent within the bushing 57. Ball element is retained by strap portions of a split slide member formed by sections 83 and 84 and held together by screws 85. This slide member has flattened upper and lower surfaces adapted to slide along surfaces 86 of a split retaining member comprising sections 87 and 88 held together by screws 89 ('Fig. 11). This retaining member is held within a cylindrical recess 90 formed in the outer face of the wall of the frame, as best shown in Figs. 8 and 9. The retaining member is held in place by a plate 91 secured by screws 92 to the frame. The arrangement is such that the retaining member is tightly clamped by the plate 91 against a shoulder 90a provided at the inner end of recess 90. It is thus prevented from rotation within the recess.

Cooperating with the needle in the formation of stitches is an overedge looper 93 and a spreader 94. These are adapted to form a two thread overedge stitch. If a threethread stitch is desired, the spreader may be replaced by a thread carrying looper. Looper 93 is mounted in a holder 95 (Figs. 5 and 6) and secured therein by a screw 95a. Holder 95 is carried by a rod 96 mounted for reciprocation and oscillation in a bearing sleeve 97 which extends through a wall of the frame. At its upper end the rod 96 is held for longitudinal reciprocation and rocking movement by a bushing 98 carried by an opening in the opposite wall of the frame. The means for imparting longitudinal reciprocation to the rod comprises a lug 99 secured to the rod and having pivotally connected. therewith a link 100. The opposite end of this link is forked and the branches of the fork are pivot-ally connected with a pin 101 mounted in the upper end of an arm 102. A screw 103 serves to retain the pin in. the arm. Arm 102 extends upwardly from a sleeve 104 rockably mounted on a stationary shaft 105, extending from front to rear of the frame and carried by suitable bosses or projections on the front and rear walls of the frame. Extending downwardly from the sleeve is an arm 102a the lower end of which is pivotally connected with one end of a pitman 106 that has a strap portion at its other end surrounding an eccentric 107 on the shaft 15.

For imparting rocking or oscillatory movements to the rod 96 there is secured thereto, near its upper end, a block 108 from which extends a ball pin 109. The latter is received by a strap '110 at the upper end of a pitman 111 which at its lower end carries a strap '112 that surrounds an eccentric 113 on the shaft 15. It will be apparent that through the connections described the eccentrics 107 and 113 will serve to impart the 4-motion movements mentioned to the looper rod 96 and the looper 93 as the shaft 15 is rotated. As a result the looper 93 is adapted to pass its thread through the loop of needle thread formed within the outer feed cup 49 and to carry its own thread up- Wardly and over the rims of the feed cups adjacent their bite into the path of the spreader 94.

"Sp-reader 94 is carried by a holder 114 secured to the lower end of a rod 115 which is rockab'ly mounted in a bearing sleeve 116 extending through a wall of the frame of the machine. Rods 96 and 1 1 are preferably disposed in parallel relation. Rocking or oscillatory movements are imparted to the rod 115 through a ball pin 117 extend-- ing from a block 118 secured to the upper end of rod 115. A strap 119 at the upper end of a pitman 120 surrounds the spherical portion of the ball pin 117. At its lower end, pitman 1 20 is provided with a strap 121 which surrounds an eccentric 122 (Fig. 3) carried by the shaft 15. Through the means described rotation of the shaft 15 will cause the spreader carrying rod '115 to be rocked or oscillated in appropriately timed relation to the 4-motion movement of the looper carrying rod 96 and the needle bar 55 to form the desired overedge stitches. This stitch forming-mechanism is of the general character disclosed in the Rubel Patent No. 2,133,229, granted October 11, 1938.

For the purpose of counteracting the unbalanced forces created by the various stitch forming devices and offsetting vibrations incident to the reciprocation and oscillation of the various members involved in this mechanism, a counter Weight construction is provided. This comprises a sleeve 123 rockably mounted on the fixed shaft 105. Sleeve 123 has an upwardly extending arm 124 to the upper end of which is secured, by means of screws 126, a counter balancing weight 125. Downwardly extending cars 1 27, integral with the sleeve 1 23, are arranged to receive between them one end of an arm 128 which is pivotally connected to said ears by a pin '129. Arm 128 has at its opposite end an integrally formed strap 130 which surrounds an eccentric 131 carried by the shaft 15. The arrangement is such that the counter weight 125 will be rocked back and forth in suitably timed relation to the movements of the various stitch forming devices to offset, to a maximum extent, the unbalanced forces and vibrations which these stitch forming devices tend to set up.

For the purpose of lubricating the various operating devices within :the hollow frame, a disc 1 32 is mounted on the shaft 1'5 for rotation therewith. This disc is adapted to dip into the oil in the reservoir at the bottom of the frame enclosure and to throw it, in the Storm of a mist or spray, throughout the enclosure. Such spray or mist will be deposited on the various relatively sliding surfaces within the vertical standard and also within the overhanging bracket or arm of the frame. As best shown in Fig. 9, a channel 1 33 is provided from the inner surface of the wall of the frame to the recess or pocket which houses the retaining member 87, 88. A passage 1'34 extending radially of the retaining member communicates at its upper end with the channel 133 and at its lower end with the top bearing surface 86 along which the element 83 slides. A sufficient amount of the lubricant spray developed within the frame will be delivered through the passages 1'33 and 134 to provide effective lubrication for the sliding surfaces of elements 83 and 84 and also the spherical surface of element 80. Excess lubricant will be returned to the main reservoir, either directly or through a passage 1135 leading downwardly and inwardly from the lower portion of the recess 90.

it will be understood that the machine may be equipped with any of the usual adjuncts, such as thread tensioning and thread controlling devices, a stitch finger, fabric guides, uncurlers, and the like. These may be of the conventional forms and may, for example, be of the types disclosed in the patents to Rubel No. 2,133,229, Cook No. 2,448,774, granted September 7, 1948, and the application of Martin L. Cook, Serial No. 230,026, filed June 5, 1951. However, slight modification of the fabric guides is required to enable the needle to partake of the needle feed movement described. The needle passages in these guides are enlarged or made wider to the extent required. Thus, as best shown in Fig. 4, a fabric guide 136 carried by the outer feed cup support and a fabric guide 137 carried by a bracket extending downwardly adjacent the shaft 35 for the inner feed cup are formed with widened or enlarged needle passages, as shown. A stitch finger 138 of conventional form may be mounted on the fabric guide 137.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the feed cups are continuously driven as explained above, however, certain advantages of the invention may be derived from a construction in which the feed cups are intermittently driven, as in the prior patents and application mentioned. The arrangement should then be such that the intermittent rotation of the feed cups takes place as the needle is engaged with the work so that the latter assists in the advance of the work and reduces to a minimum the tendency of slippage or overthrow. When the feed cups are continuously driven the tendency toward slippage and overthrow is completely eliminated.

While the invention has been described and shown in relation to a cup feed machine, having feed cups rotatable about vertical axes, some of the advantages of the invention may be derived from constructions of a different character which are encompassed by the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a pair of feed cups arranged for rotation and adapted to support and advance work to be stitched along a predetermined line of feed, stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle adapted to be passed through the work and a plurality of complementary stitch forming elements arranged to form overedge stitches in the work adjacent the bite of said feed cups as the work is advanced, one of said complementary stitch-forming elements being mounted for oscillation and being carried across the line of feed in the course of stitch formation, connections from said shaft to said feed cups for rotating both of the same while said needle is engaged with the work, and connections from said shaft for reciprocating said needle and for advancing the same along said line of feed when it is engaged with the work being stitched.

2. A sewing machine comprising a substantially oil tight frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a pair of feed cups arranged outside of said frame for rotation about parallel substantially vertical axes and adapted to support and advance work to be stitched along a predetermined line of feed, stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle arranged to form stitches in the work as it is advanced, a needle bar extending through an opening in a wall of said frame and carrying said needle, means for sealing said opening against the escape of oil therethrough means for reciprocating said needle bar longitudinally, said needle bar being disposed adjacent a face of one of said feed cups and arranged to reciprocate said needle across the bite of said feed cups, means for imparting angular movements to said needle bar about an axis parallel with the axes of said feed cups, connections from said shaft to said feed cups for rotating both of the same, and connections from said shaft for reciprocating said needle bar and for operating said means for imparting angular movements to said bar to carry said needle along said direction of feed of the work when it is engaged with the work.

3. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a pair of feed cups arranged for rotation about parallel axes and adapted to support and advance Work to be stitched along a predetermined line of feed, stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle bar and a needle carried thereby, a rockable support on which said needle bar is mounted, said support being mounted on said frame for rocking movement about a pivot parallel with the axes of said feed cups and so disposed as to cause said needle to be shifted substantially along said line of feed of said feed cups, connections from said shaft to said feed cups for rotating both of the same continuously during the operation of the machine, and connections from said shaft for reciprocating said needle bar and for rocking said support about its pivot, said connections being arranged to shift said needle in the direction of feed when the needle is engaged with the work.

4. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a pair of feed cups arranged for rotation about parallel axes and adapted to support and advance work to be stitched, stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle bar and a needle carried thereby, a rockable support on which said needle bar is mounted, bearing means on said support for retaining said needle bar, coacting guide means on said support and needle bar arranged to resist bending and rotation of said bar, said support being mounted on said frame for rocking movement about a pivot parar llel with the axes of said feed cups and so disposed as to cause said needle to be shifted substantially along the line of feed of said feed cups, connections from said shaft to said feed cups for rotating the same, and connections from said shaft for reciprocating said needle bar and for rocking said support about its pivot.

5. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a pair of feed cups arranged for rotation about parallel axes and adapted to support and advance work to be stitched, stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle bar and a needle carried thereby, a rockable support on which said needle bar is mounted, a ball and socket connection between said needle bar and said frame arranged to enable relative rocking and sliding movements between said frame and bar, said support being mounted on said frame for rocking movement about a pivot parallel with the axes of said feed cups and so disposed as to cause said needle to be shifted substantially along the line of feed of said feed cups, connections from said shaft to said feed cups for rotating the same, and connections from said shaft for reciprocating said needle oar and for rocking said support about its pivot.

6. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a pair of feed cups arranged for rotation about parallel axes and adapted to support and advance work to be stitched, stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle bar and a needle carried thereby, a rockable support on which said needle bar is mounted, a ball and socket connection between said needle bar and said frame arranged to enable relative rocking and sliding movements between said frame and bar, said bar being slidable axially through said ball and socket connection and said connection being slidable on said frame transversely of the axis of said bar, said support being mounted on said frame for rocking movement about a pivot parallel with the axes of said feed cups and so disposed as to cause said needle to be shifted substantially along the line of feed of said feed cups, connections from said shaft to said feed cups for rotating the same, and connections from said shaft for reciprocating said needle bar and for rocking said support about its pivot.

7. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a pair of feed cups arranged for rotation about parallel axes and adapted to support and advance work to be stitched, stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle bar and a needle carried thereby, bearing means for said bar mounted in a wall of said frame, said bearing means comprising an apertured ball element surrounding said bar and slidable relative thereto and a socket member carried by said frame, connections from said shaft for shifting said bar axially within said ball element and for angling said bar about an axis through said ball element parallel with the axes of said feed cups, and connections from said shaft for rotating said feed cups to advance the work.

8. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a pair of feed cups arranged for rotation about parallel axes and adapted to support and advance work to be stitched, stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle bar and a needle carried thereby, bearing means for said bar mounted in a wall of said frame, said bearing means comprising an apertured ball element surrounding said bar and slidable relative thereto and a socket member carried by said frame, connections from said shaft for shifting said bar axially within said ball element and for angling said bar about an axis through said ball element parallel with the axes of said feed cups, a second bearing means for said bar within said frame, said bar being arranged for axial movement within said second bearing means and for angling movements about an axis parallel with the axes of said feed cups at a distance from said axis through said ball element, a member carrying one of said bearing means and enabling one of the axes about which the angling movements of said bar take place to be shifted in a direction transverse to the axis of said bar, and connections from said shaft for rotating said feed cups to advance the work.

9. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a pair of feed cups arranged for rotation about parallel axes and adapted to support and advance work to be stitched, stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle bar and a needle carried thereby, bearing means for said bar mounted in a wall of said frame, said bearing means comprising an apertured ball element surrounding said bar and slidable relative thereto and a socket member carried by said frame, means for retaining said bearing means for sliding movement transversely of the axis of the bar, a second bearing means for said bar within said frame, a member pivoted on said frame about an axis parallel with the axes of said feed cups at a point spaced from said ball element, connections from said shaft for shifting said bar axially within said ball element and within said second bearing means and for angling said bar about an axis through said ball element parallel with the axes of said feed cups, and connections from said shaft for rotating said feed cups to advance the work.

great-4a '10. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a pair of feed cups arranged for rotation about parallel axes and adapted to support and advance work to be stitched along a predetermined line of feed, stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle bar and a needle carried thereby, a bearing for said needle bar swivelly mounted within a wall of said frame near said feed cups, said bearing being arranged to enable axial sliding of said bar relative thereto and to enable said bar to swivel in relation to said wall, a rockable support on which said needle bar is mounted, said support being mounted on said frame for rocking movement about a pivot parallel with the axes of said feed cups and so disposed as to cause said needle to be shifted substantially along said line of feed of said feed cups, connections from said shaft to said feed cups for rotating both of the same, and connections from said shaft for reciprocating said needle bar and for rocking said support about its pivot.

11. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, overedge stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle and a plurality of loop taking elements cooperating with each other and with said needle, a pair of rotatable work advancing elements for gripping work to be stitched in a region adjacent the point of stitch formation, connections from said shaft for rotating both of said work advancing elements continuously during the operation of the machine, and connections from said shaft for operating said stitch forming devices to produce an overedge stitch in the work, said last mentioned connections serving to reciprocate said needle and to impart work advancing movements thereto when the needle is engaged with the work and cooperating with one of said loop taking elements.

12. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, overedge stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle and a plurality of loop taking elements, a pair of rotatable work advancing elements for gripping work to be stitched in a region adjacent the point of stitch formation and to advance the work along a predetermined line of feed, connections from said shaft to each of said work advancing elements for continuously rotating the same, and connections from said shaft for operating said stitch forming devices to produce an overedge stitch in the work, one of said loop taking elements being carried across the line of feed, said last mentioned connections serving to reciprocate said needle and to impart work advancing movements thereto in coordination with said work advancing elements when the needle is engaged with the work.

13. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, overedge stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle and a plurality of loop taking elements, a pair of rotatable work advancing elements for gripping work to be stitched in a region adjacent the point of stitch formation, connections from said shaft for rotating both of said work (advancing elements, connections from said shaft for operating said stitch forming devices to produce an overedge stitch in the Work, said last mentioned connections including a needle carrier and means for operating said carrier to reciprocate said needle and to impart work advancing movements thereto in coordination with said work advancing elements when the needle is engaged with the work, and means for retaining and guiding said needle carrier comprising spaced bearing means in a wall of said frame near the point of stitch formation and also at a point within said frame.

14. A sewing machine comprising a frame having walls defining an enclosed housing, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, means for advancing work to be stitched, connections from said shaft for operating said work advancing means, stitch forming devices cooperatl0 ing w'ith the work to stitch the same as it is advanced, said stitch forming devices includin a reciprocable needle, 2: carrier for said needle extending through a wall of said frame, means in said wall comprising a ball and socket bearing for guiding and retaining said needle carrier, a support pivotally mounted on said frame within said housing bearing means on said support for retaining and guiding said needle carrier, connections from 'said shaft for" operating said carrier to reciprocate said needle, and connections from said shaft for rocking said support about its pivot to impart work advancing movemerits to said needle when the latter is engaged with the Work.

15'. A sewing machine comprising a frame having walls defining an enclosed housing, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, means for advancing work to be stitched, connections from said shaft for operating said work advancing means, stitch forming devices cooperating with the work to stitch the same as it is advanced, said stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle, a carrier for said needle extending through a wall of said frame, means in said wall comprising a ball and socket bearing for guiding and retaining said needle carrier, a plate secured to said wall for retaining said ball and socket bearing therein, said plate having an opening through which said needle carrier extends, said opening being enlarged to enable lateral movement of said carrier but being substantially sealed by said ball and socket bearing, a support pivotally mounted on said frame within said housing, bearing means on said support for retaining and guiding said needle carrier, connections from said shaft for operating said carrier to reciprocate said needle, connections from said shaft for rocking said support about its pivot to impart work advancing movements to said needle when the latter is engaged with the work, means within said housing for creating a lubricant mist therein, and means for delivering some of said lubricant to said ball and socket bearing.

16. A sewing machine comprising a frame having walls defining an enclosed housing adapted to retain lubricant, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, means for advancing work to be stitched, stitch forming devices cooperating with the work to stitch the same as it is advanced, connections from said shaft for operating said work advancing means and said stitch forming devices, said connections including a member which extends through a Wall of said frame and receives longitudinal reciprocatory movements and lateral angling movements, a ball and socket bearing in said wall for retaining and guiding said member, a plate secured to said wall for retaining said ball and socket bearing therein, said plate having an opening through which said member extends, said opening being of sufiicient size to enable said lateral movements to be imparted to said member, said ball and socket bearing providing a seal for said opening, and means for delivering lubricant from within said housing to said ball and socket bearing.

17. A sewing machine comprising a frame having a vertical standard and a horizontally disposed bracket at the upper end of said standard, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a pair of feed cups arranged to support and advance work to be stitched, a pair of vertically disposed parallel shafts for supporting and driving said feed cups, at least one of said shafts being suspended from said bracket, means comprising a plurality of shafts and interconnecting gears driven by said main drive shaft for continuously turning said feed cup supporting shafts at all times during operation of the machine, stitch forming devices including a reciprocatory needle and a cooperating oscillatory loop taking element arranged to form stitches in said work adjacent the bite of said feed cups and just above the same, and connections from said main drive shaft for operating said stitch forming devices.

18. A sewing machine comprising a frame, a main drive shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a pair of feed cups arranged to support and advance Work to be stitched, a pair of vertically disposed parallel shafts for supporting and driving said feed cups, at least one of said shafts being supported by said frame above said feed cups, means comprising a plurality of shafts and interconnecting gears driven by said main drive shaft for continuously turning said feed cup supporting shafts at all times during operation of the machine, stitch forming devices including a reciprocable needle and a plurality of loop taking elements arranged to form overedge stitches in said Work adjacent the bite of said feed cups, one of said loop-taking elements being carried across the bite of said feed cups in the course of forming said stitches,

and connections from said main drive shaft for operating said stitch forming devices.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 99,481 Rudolph Feb. 1, 1870 2,024,802 Mitchell Dec. 17, 1935 2,043,748 Hacklander June 9, 1936 2,317,762 Hale Apr. 27, 1943 2,609,768 Cash et al Sept. 9, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 24,283 Austria May 25, 1906 

